What is WHMIS 2015?

Canada has aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). This new WHMIS system is now referred to as "WHMIS 2015" and the original system is referred to as "WHMIS 1988". The GHS is an internationally consistent approach to classifying chemicals according to their physical, health and environmental hazards and communicating hazard information through labels and safety data sheets.

Why was WHMIS 2015 Implemented?

The implementation of WHMIS 2015 fulfills the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council Joint Action Plan commitment to align and synchronize implementation of common classification and labelling requirements for workplace hazardous chemicals within the mandate of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Health Canada without reducing protections for workers. The key objective is to create a system that, to the extent possible, allows Canadian and US requirements to be met through the use of a single supplier label and safety data sheet or SDS for each hazardous product.

With the implementation of GHS in Canada, WHMIS continues to be known as WHMIS. WHMIS continues to have the same objective of ensuring the protection of Canadian workers from the adverse effects of hazardous products. It continues to be Canada's hazard classification and communication system for workplace products.

By adopting the GHS, Canada has changed the hazard classification and hazard communication requirements of WHMIS. The new regulations, called the Hazardous Products Regulations has aligned the hazard classification criteria as well as product labelling and safety data sheet content and format requirements with those in the US and other international trading partners, including the European Union.

WHMIS 2015 Symbols (Pictograms)

WHMIS 2015 symbols are referred to as pictograms. Pictograms are graphic images. They immediately show the user of a hazardous product what type of hazard is present. Most pictograms have a distinctive red "square set on one of its points" border. Inside this border is a symbol that represents the potential hazard. Click WHMIS 2015 Symbols to read more.

transition period between WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015

A multi-year transition plan has been announced. From now until May 31, 2017, suppliers (manufacturers and importers) can use WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 to classify and communicate the hazards of their products (recall that suppliers must use one system or the other). Beginning June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018, distributors can continue to sell, and suppliers importing for their own use can continue to import, hazardous products with labels and (M)SDSs that are compliant with WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015.

*Requirements may vary - consult your local jurisdiction for their WHMIS requirements and transition timing.

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